Atty. William Bernstein
William Bernstein has practiced law for more than three decades. Who’s Who Legal called him, “a leader in the plaintiffs’ bar in the fields of complex civil litigation, antitrust , and consumer protection law.” Notable cases Bill has litigated include price-fixing suits against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of retail pharmacies, consumer claims against the world’s largest vitamin manufacturers for crafting a global “vitamins cartel,” charges against natural gas and energy companies for manipulating the price of natural gas and electricity in California during the California energy crisis
Profile Summary
About William Bernstein at a glance
William Bernstein is an attorney based in San Francisco, California, practforg at Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP. They haand 51+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1975. Admitted to practice in California, The State Bar of California (1975) and New York, New York State Bar Association (1985). Educated at University of San Francisco (J.D., 1975) and University of Pennsylvania (B.A., 1972). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Consumer Protection Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- William Bernstein has practiced law for more than three decades
- Who’s Who Legal called him, “a leader in the plaintiffs’ bar in the fields of complex civil litigation, antitrust, and consumer protection law.” Notable cases Bill has litigated include price-fixing suits against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of retail pharmacies, consumer claims against the world’s largest vitamin manufacturers for crafting a global “vitamins cartel,” charges against natural gas and energy companies for manipulating the price of natural gas and electricity in California during the California energy crisis of 2000-2001, and qui tam claims against the Sutter hospital system for anesthesia service overcharges
- These cases, in total, resulted in over $1.3 billion in settlements for consumers and businesses
- Bill also oversaw negotiations in the landmark settlement and injunction against De Beers for monopolizing the trade of rough diamonds in the U.S. for nearly 60 years
- As featured in the 2008 Plaintiffs Hot List, The National Law Journal wrote, The plaintiffs’ firms’ pluck, and some luck, resulted in a $295 million settlement for De Beers’ customers [and] secured De Beers’ pledge to abide by federal and state antitrust laws and accept court oversight to ensure compliance
- Bill taught settlement law as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco
- Bill has been repeatedly recognized as a “Super Lawyer for Northern California” by Super Lawyers magazine
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in California
Practforg law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.
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